Bahlil confirms Masela project construction to begin in 2027

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia has confirmed that the Abadi Masela gas field project in Maluku, designated a National Strategic Project, is targeted to begin the construction phase in 2027. “By 2029 to 2030, it can already be producing, and it is one of the largest giants in Indonesia,” Bahlil said in Jakarta on Thursday. According to him, the project is soon entering a new chapter after being delayed for decades. Bahlil said the government continues to push for the acceleration of the project so that previous investment obstacles are not repeated. He confirmed that several crucial stages have shown positive development, including the Front End Engineering and Design process. “This Abadi Masela Block has been delayed for decades, never completed. After a decision was finally made and studies completed, I told Inpex to proceed immediately. Now, thank God, it is moving. Construction in 2027,” Bahlil stated. He added that the Masela Block is one of the largest gas assets currently owned by Indonesia. The government is targeting the project, operated by Inpex Corporation and its partners, to begin production in the 2029-2030 period to strengthen national energy security. Previously, during a state visit with President Prabowo Subianto to Japan in March 2026, Bahlil received directives to accelerate two main agendas: energy transition investment and the completion of the strategic Masela Block project. Following up on these directives, Bahlil invited INPEX Corporation CEO Takayuki Ueda to discuss the acceleration of the Masela Block development. The project, valued at approximately USD 20 billion or equivalent to Rp339 trillion, is one of the largest energy projects being pushed by the government. During the meeting, Takayuki Ueda conveyed INPEX’s commitment to accelerating the completion of the Abadi Masela Project.